A Chicago tour guide is on the road to recovery after a driver hit him on his motorized scooter in West Town. Jim Collins, 64, suffered 34 broken bones and has had to have five surgeries. He was in an induced coma for three weeks and remains hospitalized, but he now is able to talk and laugh.

Community Support

Friends and family are stepping up to help Collins, who has been a tour guide at Shoreline Sightseeing for 12 years. An online fundraiser has raised over $38,000 of its $40,000 goal to help cover medical bills and possible home relocation. Collins’ wife, Marilyn, started a health journey site to keep loved ones updated with his recovery, which has received over 15,000 visits.

Collins was on his way home from work when the crash happened. He and his wife had plans to grab hot dogs at Elmwood Park’s popular Johnnie’s Beef for his birthday. Instead, a driver ran a red light at Oakley Boulevard and Lake Street and hit Collins head-on.

Recovery and Future

Collins has to learn how to walk again, but he has no brain damage or spinal injuries. His wife said he is lucky to have a strong support system and is grateful for the kindness and generosity of the community. The family is counting their blessings that Collins survived and is looking forward to his recovery.

Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.